New Orleans Saints' Deuce McAllister been there, done that

David Grunfeld / The Times-PicayuneDeuce McAllister is likely to be the Saints' feature back again this week, with Reggie Bush sidelined with a knee injury.

LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND -- The last time Saints running back Reggie Bush was injured and missed a significant portion of a season -- the final four games of 2007 -- running back Deuce McAllister also was hurt, severely hampering New Orleans' chances to make a push to the playoffs.

But this time, with Bush again sidelined for a significant amount of time because a left knee injury, McAllister is available. The Saints (3-4) are facing a crucial game against the San Diego Chargers (3-4) on Sunday at Wembley Stadium, and McAllister could once again have the opportunity to be the primary back that helps New Orleans win.

"I've been the starter before, so it's not anything that I would be extremely nervous about, " McAllister said Thursday, reminding reporters he is in his eighth year with the Saints.

Saints Coach Sean Payton has been mum this week on how long Bush will be out after surgery on a torn meniscus, hinting only that with a bye week coming up, Bush's absence could be short-term. Bush will miss at least this weekend's game, and the Saints need a win to avoid digging a deeper hole.

Although Payton also has been quiet about his plans with Bush gone, McAllister's role almost certainly will increase. McAllister entered this season coming off two knee surgeries, one from an ACL tear last year, and he likely will bring a different style of running to the Saints' offense.

"It changes some things, of course, and you make some adjustments, " Payton said about the loss of Bush. "And obviously some other players then will become a little bit more involved. Those are the initial things that you see. There's some schemes that you carry specifically for a guy like him, and you may not carry in a game like this."

The question for the Saints is how much more conventional their offense will become. Not counting quarterback Drew Brees, Bush has been the Saints' primary weapon, handling runs up the middle and around the sides, as well as catches and punt returns.

McAllister, a more traditional runner, presents a different threat that involves a burst up the middle and an ongoing struggle for additional yards, even with opposing players on his back.

After a slow start to the season that the Saints described as cautious, McAllister has 50 carries for 208 yards and leads Saints' rushers who have more than 10 touches in yards per carry, with 4.2. Against the Panthers last Sunday, McAllister had nine carries for 47 yards, a 5.2 average.

Bush had a 6.1 yards-per-carry average against the Panthers but is at 3.4 for the season.

"If you didn't know he had the surgery, you wouldn't be able to notice that, I think, " Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma said about McAllister. "Maybe back in minicamp you might have noticed he still had a little limp. Ever since then he's just been progressing and getting better and better. So looking at him now, if you didn't know he had the surgery, watching him now, you wouldn't think anything of it."

McAllister insisted Thursday that with him in the lineup, the offense will not change -- "same offense, same thing, still pretty much what we've always done." And as his role increases, so might the roles of the team's other running backs, Pierre Thomas and Aaron Stecker.

"I'm just a player, whether it's primary or first or second, whatever it may be, " McAllister said, echoing statements he has been making since the start of the season. "I'm just trying to go out there and contribute and help this team to win."

Caution with McAllister's left knee seems to be less of a concern -- and with Bush out, it might be less of an option. McAllister now has the same concerns as every other player.

"It's just the wear and tear, I guess, on your body, " McAllister said. "That's the one thing that you have to deal with. I can't necessarily say whether I'm full-strength or whatever in the knee at this point. But I know I can go out there and contribute and still make plays for the team. So it's just the wear and tear of a regular football season."

PRACTICE REPORT: Cornerback Mike McKenzie (knee), right guard Jahri Evans (ankle) and defensive end Will Smith (abdominal strain) all returned to practice Thursday for full sessions after missing Wednesday's practice.

Tight end Jeremy Shockey (hernia), who was scheduled to speak with the media Thursday but was not made available, was limited. Center Jonathan Goodwin (knee) and defensive tackle Brian Young missed practice.

Thursday's session was held in cold and windy weather at the Arsenal FC Training Center at the end of a long line of soccer fields, with football lines painted and a goal post in place.

"It's a great facility here, " Payton said. "You could see just the amount of field space, and the condition of the field was outstanding."

. . . . . . .

Teddy Kider can be reached at tkider@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3409.